Friday, December 28, 2012

Multiple Vaccines Per Visit Increases Risk

A new study, published in Human and Experimental Toxicology analyzed more than 38,000 reports of infant hospitalizations and deaths following vaccinations. Researchers have found statistically significant correlations between the number of vaccine doses administered to infants and infant hospitalization and mortality rates: babies who receive the most vaccines tend to have higher (worse) hospitalization and death rates.


While each childhood vaccine has individually undergone clinical trials to assess safety, studies have not been conducted to determine the safety (or efficacy) of combining vaccines during a single physician visit as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) guidelines.

<< Read Full Story>>





Wednesday, December 26, 2012

The "Hair of the Dog"

This season of holiday parties makes it easy to overindulge, especially during New Year's eve.  Many of us have heard numerous "old wives remedies" and "the hair of the dog that bit you", for those morning afters when imbibing may have gotten out of hand.  Some have even found a tried and true one for themselves.  While I can't advocate over indulgence and intoxification I know it can happen. 

Firstly if it does happen, be responsible and don't get behind the wheel of a vehicle.  It can be a quick, sad end to a festive evening.  Have a friend drive you or call a cab if available.

Secondly, if you are worried about waking up with a "crushing" hangover there are a few dos and don'ts from NewsMax Health to help tame the hangover beast.

<<Read More>>

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

What a Pain in the Neck!

Headaches and neck pain image.Many people suffer from chronic neck pain. Some suffer from chronic lower back pain...and some, unfortunately, suffer from both! And...unfortunately, untreated neck pain can potentially cause far more damage than untreated back pain.

Neck pain can be experienced in two ways – as actual pain, like that caused by a disc problem, or as "pins and needles," numbness or weakness, making walking difficult, creating balance issues or neck stiffness. It may originate as a result of a whiplash injury due to an automobile accident, the aging process, stresses of everyday living, job-related repetitive movements, spinal tumor, compression of vertebrae, discs or nerves, or obesity.

<< Read more >>

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Beating Holiday Stress

Stress management image.It's a stressful time of year. In addition to performing the duties associated with all of your other responsibilities, you have added responsibilities that the holidays require. Where are we celebrating? Who will be there? What do I have to do/bring? Is my shopping done? Do I have enough money for gifts? Will the children be happy? This time of year can really pack on the stress!


How do you deal with that kind of stress? Well...you should put some of the focus on yourself and do something you really enjoy this time of year.

<< Read More >>

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

What is Sciatica


Backaches and sciatica image.
Sciatica is actually a symptom of another ailment.

Many people who hear the term, "sciatica," think of a painful condition or ailment. Not so. Sciatica is actually only a symptom of a condition or ailment. Those who have experienced it describe it as pain that starts in the lower spine and radiates to the buttock and down into the back of the leg, from the thigh through the calf. The pain can range from mild to excruciating and may be accompanied by muscle weakness or numbness in the leg or a feeling of "pins and needles" in the toes or foot of the affected leg.

Read the Entire Article

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain



5 Quick Tips for Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain and Related Back Pain
By: Sylvia Marten

The relationship between weight and chronic pain is well-established, with patients who are overweight or obese likely to suffer related back pain.

Of course, with Christmas just a week away, the holiday season is a time that many people put on a few extra pounds, which can be an issue of concern for not only chronic pain sufferers but pain-free individuals.

To better the chances of avoiding weight gain and related pain in the wake of Christmas parties and New Year’s celebrations, indulge in these helpful tips:

1. Exaggerate Just How Negative Those Appetizers Are
A recent study in the Journal of Consumer Research noted how playing a trick on the mind can help those people worried about weight gain avoid giving in to tempting food.

According to the study, consumers with strong dieting goals exaggerated the amount of calories in the complementary cookies, which were then considered detrimental to weight loss and avoided.

Now if you are concerned about what one or two handfuls of pigs in a blanket at your company Christmas party may do to your weight, simply overestimate how bad they are for you.

If these tactics do not work, make a concerted effort to moderate your intake of unhealthy holiday appetizers and other fattening foods.

2. Never Show Up to Christmas Parties Hungry
Whether attending holiday parties involving family, friends or coworkers, the number-one cardinal sin is showing up hungry, which may cause you to overcompensate and stuff your face with delicious but unhealthy food.

Rather, be sure to eat your normal three meals on the days of these big get-togethers. In fact, you may even want to have a healthy snack, such as fruit, prior to leaving for the party.

3. Avoid Calories, Including Too Much Alcohol
Avoiding foods that are high in calories is often a major goal of weight control.

Sorry to burst the bubble, but this means alcohol as well, with the average alcoholic drink containing
anywhere from 150-200 calories and just 2 or 3 drinks often equivalent to regular daily caloric intake levels.

If you can, limit the alcohol or wine and drink plenty of water. Furthermore, try to fill up on healthy foods like carrot sticks, celery and other fruits, without having to dip them into dips, which are often high in calories.

By filling up on healthy fruit and vegetable appetizers, you will be better prepared for a moderate meal at your holiday party than an all-you-can-eat (and drink) buffet.

4. Exercise Daily Rather Than Waiting for January 1st
A lot of people are resigned to the "fact" that they are going to gain weight during the holidays, and that there’s nothing they can do in the meantime.
Don’t fall into this trap!

If you exercise daily, try to boost your routines anywhere from 15-30 minutes extra during the holidays, which will allow you to compensate if you do tend to eat a little more than expected during this time of the year.

If you are not a regular exerciser, today’s a perfect time to start. There are plenty of activities that you can do, from walking around the block in the morning to running on a home or gym treadmill to engaging in simple stretching exercises.

Sure, your New Year’s resolution may involve getting more exercise to lose weight (and even reduce pain).

But if you're like most people, New Year’s resolutions are meant to be broken.

Why not put yourself ahead of the curve and start an exercise program before the New Year? Perhaps you’ll get into a groove and make exercising an everyday part of your life.

5. Resist Being a Taste Sampler
If you are cooking on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, avoid being a test taster.

Testing out how all sorts of food taste can throw off your normal diet, and leave you hungrier than usual.

In a similar light, simply attending holiday parties may leave you feeling as if you are a part-time food sampler.

To avoid this potential trap, take your mind off food by having some fun (after all, that’s what parties are meant for). Engage in riveting conservation with a coworker. Dance with your significant other. Play with your younger cousins, or nieces and nephews (trust me, they’ll keep you active and likely have plenty of new Christmas gifts to show you).

With all that said, best wishes to you and yours on a safe and healthy holiday season.



Enjoy the holiday season!

Dr. Heller 


Photo courtesy http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=1606&picture=gingerbread"
by Petr Kratochvil